Dresses Over Trousers Are the Ultimate Cool-Girl Layering Hack

The once-controversial styling move that every fashion baddie swears by.

POSTED 03.02.26 07:56 BY TASNIM MIAH

Dresses over trousers? Skirts over denim jeans? If I'm totally honest, I was a skeptic at first, but now I think it's fashion's most effortless layering flex. Somewhere between spotting it on every certified baddie and trying it "just for fun," I became totally obsessed. The cool girls are layering this year, and I'm not mad about it. If anything, I think this could be one of those quietly cool trends that we're going to see a lot more of.

Start With Sheer or Slip Dresses

If you're easing into layering in this way, sheer or silky slip dresses are the gateway. Layer one over straight-leg jeans or tailored trousers, add a chunky sweater, and a few funky accessories, and suddenly the look feels intentional, not experimental. Bonus points if the hem hits mid-calf and lets the trousers peek through. It's effortless and a little unexpected—the sort of look I love!

Play With Proportions

Don't be afraid to really lean into the layering and play with proportions. A mini skirt over baggy denim feels playful and Y2K-coded, while a longer skirt over slim trousers reads more polished and put-together. I like to anchor the look with a fitted white tee layered under a thin-strapped dress, paired with classic denim jeans—it keeps the outfit grounded while still letting the layers do the talking.

Don't Overthink the Shoes & Accessories

Footwear and cool-girl accessories pull everything together. Ballet flats and kitten heels keep the look soft, while boots or sneakers add a little edge. Reading glasses, colorful socks, shoulder bags? Yes, yes, and yes. The key is letting the layers do the talking—everything else can be chill.

The real reason I love the idea of layering dresses and skirts over trousers is that it feels genuinely fresh—we're breaking fashion rules we didn’t even realize we were still following. It's experimental, a little rebellious, and, of course, extremely cool-girl coded. Consider me fully converted.

Fizzypicks highlight the pieces that make this layering trend effortless and effortlessly cool.

Black jacket set with front pockets and brown plaid midi skirt.

ZARA
Plaid Ruffled Midi Skirt
$59.90

Dresses Over Trousers Are the Ultimate Cool-Girl Layering Hack

Start With Sheer or Slip Dresses

Play With Proportions

Don't Overthink the Shoes & Accessories

Unbox the freshest drops and more. Hit subscribe!